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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Who Will Prevail From Group H?

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By Nisar KhanWe're just days away from the start of the UEFA Champions League, European Football at it's finest, the showcase of the best and this year is sure not to disappoint. Group H is looking tough, and in this article we predict how it will go down.
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Barcelona FC, A.C. Milan, Ajax or Celtic FC, which teams will make it out of Group H?(via DevianArt)

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﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿The group features La Liga Champions FC Barcelona, Eredivisie Champions Ajax, Scottish Champions Celtic and AC Milan who came third in Serie A.We're set for some interesting matches, and maybe even some upsets for the games in this group. The general consensus of assumption is that the first and fourth places are the easiest to predict.

Barcelona are favorites from the group (via CNN)

FC Barcelona are the favorites undoubtedly in this group, and if you're looking at the guys with their backs against the wall, look no further than Celtic.But is that all to the tale?Of course not. Upsets are just poised to turn this group around. Celtic manager Neil Lennon will be first to tell you that Celtic have beaten Barcelona before. It was a special night at Celtic Park which saw the Scottish Champions overcome the odds to defeat Barcelona 2 - 1. When these teams meet once again in that same stadium on October 1, could we see this again?

Celtic have defeated Barcelona before (via DailyRecord)

Don't rule it out. Its a possibility that could indeed turn into reality, if Celtic are able to slay the Spanish giants again. When Celtic defeated Barcelona, it proved that the La Liga 2012/13 Champions are not invincible. With the additions of Neymar and others, they do look stronger this time round, but the whistle has not even blown, so it's all even.So, re-evaluation of putting Celtic rockbottom of the table is always open. But Barcelona are not the only big challenges that await them. First, let's take a look at Holland's Champions, Ajax. These teams faced off in the 2001/2002 Champions League group stage. Ajax won the first game 1 - 0, but Celtic fired back with a 3 - 1 victory.

Now, we could be getting a bit carried away here. That was over a decade ago, things are much different now, so records aside, this is a more even match-up.

When Ajax and Celtic last met... (via GreenGreenWorld)

Both Ajax and Celtic dominated their leagues last season. Ajax got more points per game considering they had 76 points in 34 games whereas Celtic had 79 in 38 games - of course take into account that the competition in those leagues widely varies. Ajax could just edge it, but I expect a draw and a marginal win for Ajax in the two games.

Then, there's AC Milan. The Italians came third in their league. They met three times between 2007 and 2008, with AC Milan edging the latter game in stoppage time. But both teams have had somewhat big changes that throw old results out of the window. AC Milan don't look too sharp but pose a threat. Celtic have a bigger chance here.

Barcelona and AC Milan have had numerous run-ins in the past (via HuffingtonPost)

Enough about Celtic. The point may be proved that they are not necessarily landing fourth, but which team is destined for Europa League football, and how about second place. The Spanish Giants should get first place, not by domination necessarily, but by conflicting results between the other teams too. Barcelona are going to have to fight hard for their points, but the positions for 2nd, 3rd and 4th are going to be heavily contested.Ajax and AC Milan are going to engage in their few entertaining tussles, but AC Milan should prevail in those encounters. Barcelona will win a majority of the games, but it could be draw-galore in regards to other teams.PREDICTED OUTCOMES

FIRST PLACE: BARCELONA

As oppose to other seasons, the Champions are not going to find it easy at all this season. But they look the most sharp out of the teams, and they may draw or lose the odd game, but close results between the other teams will allow them to top the group.

SECOND PLACE: AJAX

Ajax may not be looking the better, but matching up against Celtic and Ajax, they could closely make it to the next round.

THIRD PLACE: CELTIC

Celtic will come close... but they will find themselves playing Europa League football rather than battling in the Knockout rounds. Neil Lennon's side will fair much better in the Europa League.

FOURTH PLACE: AC MILAN

Milan at the bottom of the group? Surely not. These predictions maybe somewhat wild but Milan will be closely edged out by a miraculous Celtic effort.

Will Barcelona top the group as predicted? (via TheSundayTimes)

These predictions surround the Champions League debacle. They are far from guaranteed, but what is nearer to certainty is the quality of games from the this group. It's going to be interesting to see which upsets and amazing moments we are poised to see.The Champions League is looming. Prepare yourselves for European Football at its best.